Posted By Benjamin Hochman On March 30, 2011 @ 12:08 pm In General Nuggets | No Comments

Nobody wants to play – and play hard – more than Denver’s Arron Afflalo. But, as teammate Al Harrington said today, “I know he doesn’t want to do something that would mess up the playoffs for him, so he should really just take his time.”

And so, the Nuggets’ breakout shooting guard will likely not play against tonight, due to a left hamstring strain, this according to coach George Karl.

“As a competitor, Arron wants to get back out there, earn his minutes and get his minutes back to where he knows he’s going to play,” Karl said. “I think Arron has earned the right to get a big opportunity once he’s healthy.”

The Nuggets (44-29) host the Kings (21-52) tonight at Pepsi Center, where Denver is 30-7 this season, the second-best home record in the West (San Antonio is 33-4).

Wilson Chandler, who has been battling pain in his left ankle, is probable tonight and expected to start, along with Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, Kenyon Martin and Nene.

Afflalo hasn’t played since leaving the Miami game in the second quarter on March 19. He has missed the past three games and previously missed three other games due to the same injury.